Djokovic Survives Titanic Battle with Wawrinka, Reaches U.S. Open Final

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Djokovic Survives Titanic Battle with Wawrinka, Reaches U.S. Open Final

By Chris Oddo, Saturday, September 7, 2013

In a semifinal for the ages, Novak Djokovic edged Stan Wawrinka in five sets, 2-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Photo Source: AP

Novak Djokovic outlasted Stan Wawrinka in five sets in a spirited battle to reach the U.S. Open finals for the fifth time, 2-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Wawrinka was in command at the onset, but Djokovic engineered a break of serve to level the second set at four-all, then won it in the tiebreaker.

After Wawrinka took the third set, the pressure seemed to bother the first-time Grand Slam semifinalist. He was broken in his first service game of the set, then he smashed his racquet in the next game, receiving a point penalty and eventually falling behind 3-0.

Wawrinka left the court to seek treatment for a right thigh injury mid-way through the fourth set, but when he returned he still had a lot of energy left.

“Tough match, tough loss,” said Wawrinka after the match. “I gave everything, I fought until the end. It was an amazing experience.”

The true highlight of the match was the epic 21-minute 12-deuce game that the pair played in the third game of the final set. Wawrinka saved five break points and finally held serve on his eighth game point. Meanwhile, the crowd went wild, giving the players a standing ovation in the middle of the game.

“These matches are what we live for, what we practice for,” said Djokovic after the match. “I want to congratulate firstly my opponent for fighting hard to the end. He played a great match.”

But Wawrinka's momentum wouldn't last as Djokovic broke to lead 3-2 and did not face a break point the rest of the way.

Djokovic awaits the winner of today's second semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet.